Liverpool open surprise talks to sign ‘magical’ £70m PL star

Liverpool achieved victory at the weekend, but we have already seen several times this season that victory can prove to be a false dawn as Arne Slott looks to restore stability to the team.

Goals from Alexander Isaac and Cody Gakpo capped off a shocking run of form, with nine losses in 12 games in all competitions, six losses in seven in the Premier League, and three losses in four at Anfield.

It’s hard to believe, but Slott’s second-season system is the exact opposite of the sleek, stylish outfit that defied everyone’s bid for the league title last season, signing a deal less than a year after Jurgen Klopp picked up the microphone and bid farewell to the red half of Merseyside.

As Slott said in his post-match interview, Liverpool have to stop. We still have a long way to go.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Reds’ victory was the manager’s call to release Mohamed Salah. This glimpse of a brand new world also feeds into rumors that FSG are looking to sign a wide forward in 2026.

Liverpool planning to replace Salah

Salah’s absence from the bench at the London Stadium was the first time the Egyptian had not featured in the Premier League since the 2019-20 season, with Klopp’s title campaign effectively ending when the Reds were held to a 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby.

Last season he was the best player in the Premier League. But that hard work has depleted its veteran resources, and it has struggled this year.

As you can see, there is an undeniable decline. Liverpool’s larger staff have all come down on deck, but 33-year-old Salah has not been given any time.

Trying to find an equivalent replacement is a waste of effort. What Liverpool need instead is a sharp, athletic winger with a knack for scoring. Probably someone like Sadio Mane (not an easy endeavor in itself).

Now, according to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have begun talks with rivals Everton for the signing of one of their star forwards, Iliman Ndiaye.

A versatile 25-year-old, Ndiaye is athletic and capable in the final third. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, with the Toffees likely willing to shell out around £70m for their star player.

What Iliman Nidae offers Liverpool

Wow. Everton to Liverpool? From blue to red? That’s nonsense, right?

While admittedly unlikely, Liverpool have been interested in Jarrad Branthwaite for some time and Everton were looking to sign Ben Doak in the summer before he signed for Bournemouth.

And Ndiaye is worth highlighting. Hailed as a “magic” by Everton writer Lyndon Lloyd, he ranks in the top 5% of his position in the Premier League for take-ons completed and tackles won, and in the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90 (according to FBref).

Presenter Jamie O’Hara even claimed the Senegalese was “one of the best players in the Premier League”.

Ndiaye shares his hometown with Liverpool icon Mane, but the two have more in common than just nationality. Able to play across the line, the Everton winger is energetic on the ball, combative against the run of play and destructive inside the box.

Ndiaye is probably primarily a left-sided forward, although he has spent most of his time on the right wing this season. With this in mind, there is a good chance that Ndiaye, who is a more protean threat than the clinical Dutchman, could snatch the starting spot from Cody Gakpo at Anfield.

African talent Ndeye was Everton’s top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions last season and has continued that trend this year, registering four goals and one assist in 13 games.

Mane improved to the next level when he moved from Southampton to Liverpool in 2016 for around £35m. Ndiaye could follow in the footsteps of his compatriot in this regard, having added a variety of instruments to his toolbox during Everton’s up-and-down side in recent years.

Liverpool probably made the mistake of not appointing a worthy successor to replace Luis Dias this summer, and the effects of that are being felt through Gakpo’s somewhat limited attacking approach. He scored and provided an assist against West Ham at the weekend, but lacked the dynamism that Liverpool’s previous left-wingers have displayed.

Mane is certainly one of them, perhaps the best of the crop. It would be unfair to expect Gakpo to play such a role, but signing Ndiaye would give Slott a player who can match the Dutch star and bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the role.

Mane, now 34 and playing in Saudi Arabia, was once one of the world’s best forwards, combining clinical goal-scoring, physicality and mental unwaveringness for many years with a deadly record at Anfield.

One scout even praised Ndiaye as “mane again”, and given that this is a proven formula in England’s top flight, there is no doubt that one of the FSG players would be attracted to complete the run.

With all due respect to West Ham, a tougher test lies ahead for the Anfield side, who won against Eintracht Frankfurt in August before losing to Brentford. The elation over that impressive victory over Real Madrid has evaporated after the recent three-game losing streak.

Liverpool have not been inconsistent this season, but things could change. That has to change. Liverpool need balance and security, but they also need boldness and courage to show more talent than players like Gakpo have provided.

And nothing could be bolder than signing a rival to Ndiaye who would improve the team’s skills in the slot and balance the team’s tilted mental level.